By David Seckinger January 6, 2011
When Joe Howard was growing up, he spent a lot of time in trees. As an adult, he turned that interest into a countywide program that identifies and ranks trees by size….
…A champion tree is determined by three measurements — a system devised in 1925 by a Marylander named Fred Besley. First, the circumference of the tree is measured at 4.5 feet off the ground. Second, the tree’s height is measured. Third, 25 percent of the tree’s average crown spread is calculated. The three measurements are added together in total points. The tree with the most points is named the champion…
…Howard said Montgomery County has three of the five largest Tulip Poplars in the state, one of which is located in Brookeville. Garrett County had the national champion Sugar Maple until it died about four years ago, Howard added.
